The three-day Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems, which concluded yesterday in New Delhi, has paved the way for advancing gender-responsive policies and inclusive innovations in agriculture. The conference, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, focused on promoting sustainable agricultural development and empowering women across the agri-food value chain.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said the conference brought together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and women leaders from 18 countries and generated key recommendations aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and entrepreneurship in the sector. Several successful women farmers and contributors to the agricultural sector were also honoured for their achievements.

Addressing the gathering on the last day of the event, Secretary of Department of Agricultural Research and Education Dr M L Jat emphasized that the conference marks a significant step towards advancing gender-responsive agri-food systems. He announced that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is working on a national gender platform to connect over 900 institutions, including agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The Secretary said, the platform will strengthen research, extension, and capacity-building initiatives focused on women in agriculture.